One thing that I like about Robin Hobb's books is that there are no perfect, stereotypical heroes. Her stories do not force us to identify with and idolise a particular character. Although we see the world through Fitz's eyes in The Farseer and Tawny Man trilogies and he is a very engaging character, I doubt that many of us would actually wish to be Fitz (an emotionally repressed, brain damaged, drug addicted, absent father with confidence issues and violent tendencies, whose closest friend is a wolf). Most of the other characters are equally flawed but equally engaging. Even Kennit had me rooting for him at various points during the Liveship Traders!

So, I would be interested to know, is there any character from the Fareer, Liveship or Tawny Man books that you particularly identify with? If you could take the place of any character in the story, who would you be?

Though they are not exactly like me, personality wise I feel I relate to Chade, Patience, and even Kennit (though I'm not a bastard like him lol.) Sometimes I find myself zoning out like Verity when I'm so focused on something everything and everyone around me feels like background noise. I'm also quite drawn to Kettricken and her convictions. And though I don't particularly identify with Starling, I do sympathise with her ambitions of being the greatest minstrel of her time, even if she is not made of genius.

Thanks for the response Redchild. Verity is definitely the character that I empathise with most, though hopefully my story will have a happier end than his. While there is a certain amount of kudos in sacrificing yourself in order to save the world, I would rather not have to! The aspect of Verity's character that I admire most is his indefatigability; he never surrenders or gives way, no-matter what sacrifices are demanded of him. The scene that really sticks in my mind is when Fitz, The Fool, Kettricken and the rest discover Verity in the memory-stone quarry, scraping away at his dragon with a blunted sword. Despite the apparent hopelessness of his position, he is still determined to prevail. I was also impressed by Verity's use of Fitz's body to father Prince Dutiful. Though ethically dubious, this was a superb use of lateral thinking to solve the problem of the succession! I admire Maulkin for similar reasons; the sheer tenacity that he showed in holding on to his identity for hundreds of years and eventually leading his people home.

First is Patients. At first you see her as just some sort of silly heart caught up in her experiments and ideas. But when Regal left Buckkeep to its own destruction, she stepped up and took charge. She was a leader who only needed the right situation to truly shine, and in my opinion, she did so more than anyone else! She gave away all her belongings and anything of value to defend the coast and her people. She loved the folk of the six duchies, and was willing to be there with them, at their sides; to fight for what was right. I hope that if I were in the same situation I would be able to rise and lead with such greatness that she did.

Second would have to be Reyn. What I loved about him was his devotion, to Malta, to the city, to his people, and to Tintalgia (before she was freed). Despite what others told him, he remained loyal to his heart and those he knew were worthy of his devotion. He loved and pursued Malta when everyone told him she was not a great match. He wanted the best for his people not matter what, and even though everyone told him the city was something to ravage and plunder, but not to embrace, he still did what he thought was the right thing to do. He was loyal and devoted, and remained that way no matter what.

Third, and Finally, is Ophelia. And honestly, I love her because of her attitude. She is pushy, and nosy, and a gossip, but all the while she is loyal to her family and has their best interests at heart. I think she is funny, witty, and yes, a bit overbearing, but in an endearing way. She saws her mind, and screw who hears it because she knows she is right. She is the pinnacle of a Leading Matriarch, and I find that an amazing trait to possess!

"Everyone thinks that courage is about facing death without flinching. But almost anyone can do that. Almost anyone can hold their breath and not scream for as long as it takes to die. True courage is facing life without flinching. I don't mean the times when the right path is hard, but glorious at the end. I'm talking about enduring the boredom, and messiness, and the inconvenience of doing what is right." -Amber

Quote:The scene that really sticks in my mind is when Fitz, The Fool, Kettricken and the rest discover Verity in the memory-stone quarry, scraping away at his dragon with a blunted sword. Despite the apparent hopelessness of his position, he is still determined to prevail. I was also impressed by Verity's use of Fitz's body to father Prince Dutiful. Though ethically dubious, this was a superb use of lateral thinking to solve the problem of the succession!

Yes that scene's stayed with me also. It felt so strange when the group finally found Verity after their long, arduous journey chipping away at a rock the entire time. It was a big feat for Verity to maintain his determination to save the Six Duchies when all the while he is slowly Forging himself to do it. As for his fathering of Dutiful, I find it a testament to their closeness that Fitz and Kettricken do not make a big fuss over it and agree to the fact that Dutiful is Verity's son.

Quote:And honestly, I love her because of her attitude. She is pushy, and nosy, and a gossip, but all the while she is loyal to her family and has their best interests at heart. I think she is funny, witty, and yes, a bit overbearing, but in an endearing way.

I love Ophelia too. While she has a very big, blazing personality, she's the type that energizes you and motivates you. She seems like someone you can go talk to about everything and nothing for hours on end but not feel drained from it.

And to expand on my earlier response, I find I relate to Chade in the way he always tries to look at a situation in different perspectives, and I find Fitz's reports to Chade to be more than just reports, but more of a second opinion. He also isn't necessarily secretive, but rather finds it bothersome to reveal everything about himself. The bitterness he felt in the fact that he was denied knowledge of the Skill grinded him, which I think is what he yearned to learn about since he was young. I also relate to him in how he never steps up to take the throne. He never really yearns for titles and leadership positions; more someone who was more comfortable aiding the monarch than taking up the crown.

Patience is such an adorable little lady I can't help but feel she and Lacey are the comic relief of the series. I love her eccentricity but despite her fast-talking I find her to be very introverted. She doesn't seem to be herself unless Lacey is with her and she usually doubts that anyone would ever want to talk to her because they would find her boring, which I can empathise with. Maybe that's a reason why she's always pursuing new knowledge; on the most part because of her own fascination, but also to make herself "less boring." Which is ironic considering most fancy people at Buckkeep probably consider her way too weird to associate with :rolleyes: I couldn't help but feel proud when she stepped up, formed the Ivy Guard, and practically took over Buckkeep. The part where she came out to meet Verity's Dragon with a spear and helmet askew, then yelled at Verity to take out the Red Ships in her harbor was very memorable

As for Kennit, the only thing I can find in common with him is his fear of failure and showing weakness or embarrassing himself. I understood him more after learning about his past and relationship with Paragon, but still, I was glad he died to be honest. I marvel at the things he's managed to accomplish, though, considering how damaged and incomplete a man he really was.

I would love to be nighteyes to be honest, just living the simple life without all the things you have to think about as a human. Though Fitz reminds me of myself sometimes, I think I'm a bit of a mix between him and Starling really, since I'm a writer and quite into music. Chade kinda reminds me of my grandfather in a way, so I think he's prety cool aswell, especially the way he always deals with trouble

The characters that most grab at me are Verity, Web and Fitz himself. The Fool will always have a special place in my heart.

Verity's devotion to his kingdom is so great. Then he takes time from that to spare for Fitz nad sacrifices everything for his loves: Fitz, Kettricken and the Six Duchies. His attitude towards Fitz at the end of Assassin's Quest make me melt inside.

Web is just one hell of a role model. He's everything you want in a role model - well humoured, very well spoken, modest, willing to teach, wise and both gentle and strong at the same time. I have trouble seeing flaws in Web.

Fitz isn't a role model. Sometimes it seems that every time Fitz has to make a decision he chooses the wrong one, for all the right reasons. That's why he's so identifiable. I identify with his troubles with the Wit, and balancing it with the Skill. And I'd probably have fallen for him if I'd met him as Tom Badgerlock.

The Fool is the counterpart to Fitz's identifiability. He's a mystery but we love him for it. He's the secret part of us that shows when we keep ourselves to ourselves.

Me too, but they must be there! I wonder what Web's story is. Does he represent an elite group among the Old Blood or is he just a remarkable individual who has succeeded in developing his capabilities far beyond those of his fellows?

Me too, but they must be there! I wonder what Web's story is. Does he represent an elite group among the Old Blood or is he just a remarkable individual who has succeeded in developing his capabilities far beyond those of his fellows?

I think he's just one of those people who are naturally wise who just happens to be witted and had the opportunity to learn from the best. But the wisdom is the bit that gets to me. I completely want to meet him and sit down for a long, long chat. But I'd be a little anxious about it. I think he'd get right to the point and gently point out the biggest issues I have and how to fix them. The solutions, as they usually are, are simple enough, but hard to do. Yes, I'm comparing Fitz's coming out as witted to my own reluctance to come out. Again.